Richland’s Thunderducks baseball team defeated the Cedar Valley Suns 15-11 at Richland on March 25. A seven-run rally in the third inning was enough for the team coached by Jimmy Brenneman to get the win. The T-Ducks were up 11-0 in the first third of the game and it seemed that the victory could be smooth. However, Cedar Valley would not give up so easily.

In the second inning, Richland scored the first run thanks to an error by Suns third baseman Jayden Ramos throwing the ball to right field. Nick Chalman took advantage of it to step on the home plate. Later, Seth Markham connected a single to centerfield to drive in the second run. Noah Pena drove in two more runs with another single to center.

One inning later, Markham brought in two more runs with a single to left field. Then, Kelton Phillips hit a ground ball to third. Ramos’ errant throw allowed the T-Ducks to score two more runs.

Despite Richland’s big lead, Cedar Valley scored seven runs in the fourth and fifth innings to get close on the scoreboard. With three men on base thanks to two walks and a single, Cooper Brewer connected a single to right field. Jousepf Gelpi could not catch the ground ball, allowing the Suns to score three runs. Cedar Valley closed the gap even more with two more runs off a single by Antonio Sabala.

However, the T-Ducks put the game out of reach in the seventh inning, scoring three runs. Wes Flatt, Logan Smith, and Jacob Lewis each drove in run to widen the margin. The winning pitcher was Damian Robinson, who allowed two earned runs and four hits, giving up three walks and striking out seven. Jeremiah Darrough took the loss for the Suns, giving up 11 runs, four of which were earned. He allowed five hits and gave up three walks.